RELIGIOUS CALENDAR
Religious Holy Days in March and April 2013
May and June mark the season of the Hopi Kachina Dances, in which Arizona Hopi celebrants represent various spirit-powers and perform ritual dances in open pueblo areas. It is also the time of Yansa’altt, the season of berry blossoms—anticipating the berry harvest in summer, which is essential for survival in winter.
For Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest, June marks Miso’o, the season of Sockeye salmon, which is the most important food source for the coming year. In Arizona, this is also the season of the Hopi Kachina Dances, in which long lines of dancers (representing various spirit-powers) perform in the open plazas of Hopi pueblos.
Friday, May 17
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‘Azamat – Bahá’í
The beginning of the fourth month of the Bahá’í year, ‘Azamat means “grandeur.”
Sunday, May 19
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Pentecost Sunday – Christianity (Western churches)
A celebration of the Holy Spirit’s descent upon the Apostles following Jesus’ ascension into heaven, Pentecost [which derives from the Latin for “fifty,” because it occurred fifty days after Easter] is often known as “the birthday of the Christian Church.”
Thursday, May 23
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Declaration of the Báb – Bahá’í
The celebration of the day in 1844 C.E. when he announced his identity as the Gate or herald of the new age in Shiraz, Persia (modern-day Iran).
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Birthday of Gurū Amar Das – Sikhism
Gurū Amar Das (1479 – 1574 C.E.) was the third of the Sikh Gurūs.
Saturday, May 25
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Wesak [Visakha Puja Day] – Buddhism
Celebrated on the full moon of the sixth lunar month, this is a triple commemoration of the historical Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death and entrance into nirvana.
Sunday, May 26
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Trinity Sunday – Christianity (Western churches)
Marking the celebration of God manifested in three Persons: as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Monday, May 27 Memorial Day
Wednesday, May 29
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Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh – Bahá’í
The anniversary of the death of the founder of the Bahá’í faith in Palestine in 1892 C.E. Adherents suspend work on this day.
Tuesday, June 4
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Laylat al-Isra’ wa al-Mi’rāj – Islam
The commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, his ascent into heaven and return on the same night, and his receipt of Allah’s commandment of the five compulsory daily prayers. This celebration begins at dusk.
Wednesday, June 5
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Núr – Bahá’í
The beginning of the fifth month of the Bahá’í year, meaning “light.”
Friday, June 7
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Sacred Heart – Christianity [Roman Catholic]
A devotional feast during which Catholic Christians reflect on God’s compassionate love, symbolized by Christ’s heart.
Thursday, June 13
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Ascension Day – Christianity (Eastern churches)
The anniversary of Jesus’ ascension into heaven, celebrated forty days after Pascha and beginning at sundown.
Sunday, June 16
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Martyrdom of Gurū Arjan Dev Ji (1563-1606 C.E.) – Sikhism [Nanakshahi tradition]
The first Sikh martyr and the fifth gurū, Arjan built the Harimandir (Temple of God) in the town of Amritsar with door facing all four directions, in order to emphasize that the Sikh way was open to all regardless of their socio-economic status. He also compiled the Sikh scriptures.
Wednesday, June 19
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New Church Day – Swedenborgian Christianity (Church of the New Jerusalem)
Annual commemoration of the visionary document The True Christian Religion, written by Emanuel Swedenborg in 1770 C.E.
Friday, June 21 Summer solstice
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Summer Feast – Native American spirituality
A day to honor the coming and going of the seasons, celebrated with songs, prayers, and story-telling.
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Litha [Midsummer’s Eve] – Wicca
A celebration of the consummation of the sacred marriage, in which the male divine energy is poured out in the service of life.
Saturday, June 22
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Laylat al-Bara’at or Nisf Sha‘bān – Islam
According to Muslim tradition, Allah approaches the earth on this night (the middle day of the eighth month in the Islamic calendar) to call humanity to repentance and grant forgiveness of sins.
Sunday, June 23
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Pentecost Sunday – Christianity (Eastern churches)
A celebration of the Holy Spirit’s descent upon the Apostles following Jesus’ ascension into heaven, Pentecost [which derives from the Latin for “fifty,” because it occurred fifty days after Easter] is often known as “the birthday of the Christian Church.”
Monday, June 24
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Rahmat – Bahá’í
The beginning of the sixth month of the Bahá’í year, Rahmat means “mercy.”
Thursday, June 27
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Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Joseph Smith – Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Recalling the assassination of the prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum while they were incarcerated in Carthage, Illinois, in 1844 C.E.
Saturday, June 29
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Ghambar Maidyoshem begins – Zoroastrianism
A celebration of the creation of water, the sowing of the summer crops, and the harvesting of grain. This festival continues through Wednesday, July 3.
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Feast of the Apostles Peter and Paul – Christianity (both Western and Eastern churches)
Celebrates the two apostles who preached the Christian gospel in Rome. In Eastern churches this festival begins at sundown.
Sunday, June 30
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All Saints – Christianity (Eastern churches)
Celebrating the lives of those saints, known and unknown, whose prayers and exemplary lives have a positive influence on the lives and Christian faith of others.
If you want more information about any of these holy days, please contact Spiritual Care Services at 415-353-1941 (Rev. Dr. Michele Shields) or 415-353-2319 (Rev. Dr. Peter Yuichi Clark).
Our thanks to the Chicago Center for Cultural Connections, the Multifaith Action Society of British Columbia (Canada), and www.interfaithcalendar.org